Pinoy is 1st runner up at The Voice of McDonald's

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - He may not have won the grand prize, but Rocky Loreto Rosabal won't come home empty handed.

Rosabal, a finalist in The Voice of McDonald's (VOM) singing competition, came in as first runner up. He sang Journey's "Faithfully" during the grand finals held in Florida.

Lucila Ospitia of McDonald's Colombia took home the $25,000 grand prize.

"I would like to say thank you sa lahat po ng sumoporta at sa lahat po ng naniwala sa akin. Maraming salamat po friends, family and kababayan. Maraming salamat po! Proud to be Pinoy!" Rosabal wrote on his Facebook page.

Rosabal, a service crew at McDonald's Cagayan de Oro, was among the 58,000 hopefuls from 63 countries who joined the global singing competition.

On his profile as a finalist, Rosabal described himself as someone who came from very humble beginnings.

"A simple guy who dreamed big. Now my dream is becoming real: To be a professional performer not just in my country, but globally," he said.

Rosabal said he wants to be an inspiration to others to "believe in your dreams and reach for your dreams".

The Voice of McDonald's recognizes and the rewards talented singers among its over one million crew and managers working in McDonald's restaurants around the world.

"VOM is a life-changing journey that means everything to me," Rosabal said. "I would not be where I am right now without this experience and opportunity, and I want to thank everyone who supported me."

Rosabal took home $17,500 as first runner up, and another $5,000 cash prize for being hailed as the Fan Favorite.

Ashlae Nelms of McDonald's Illinois, USA came in as second runner up, while Patrick Reis of McDonald's Switzerland was named as third runner up in the competition.